Aretha Franklin Receives Honorary Doctorate From Yale

NEW HAVEN — Yale University afforded the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, a lot of R-E-S-P-E-C-T and love Monday, with a short musical tribute and sustained cheering, when she was awarded an honorary doctor of music degree.

Franklin was one of several luminaries at Yale’s 309th commencement ceremony, with award-winning actor, Denzel Washington and producer Steven Spielberg, both in the audience on the Old Campus and playing the role of proud parents of graduating seniors.

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Yale does not have a speaker at its graduation ceremony, but it is noted for the range of artists, scientists, political figures and academics it chooses to award with honorary degrees.